Dive Brief:

• Some Duke Energy customers in South Carolina could soon have access to an innovative pre-pay system, SNL reports, as long as they have advanced meters, an internet connection and no large outstanding balances.
• The program would be open to residents in the Greenville and Spartanburg areas who do not take service under optional rate riders. It would allow participants to view their daily consumption data and account balance online, while also receiving text alerts, emails and calls providing energy use information.
• According to a recent survey conducted by DEFG, about 17% of consumers indicate a high level of interest in prepaid energy options.

Dive Insight:

A significant portion of utility customers are interested in pre-pay options, a survey found recently, and a new proposal by Duke aims to give them additional options. SNL reports Duke Energy's "pay as you go" program would require advanced payment of $40, and would only be open to customers with outstanding balances less than $300.

The program requires customers to have a smart meter and internet connection, and would allow them to view daily energy use and receive automated alerts.

Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier told SNL, "none of this works without smart meter technology."

Pre-paid options are an increasing aspect of services in the United States, though the survey showed interest decreased from 41% in 2013 to 32% percent in 2014. But DEFG said the decrease could be attributed to less of a perceived need as the economy improves, and 17% of respondents still said they were  "extremely" or "very" interested.

There is no fee to participate in Duke's pilot program, though the utility said a fee could be added if it is scaled up to all customers.